The 2014 Cadillac CTS sedan receives a complete makeover this year, moving it solidly into the same league as the BMW 5 Series, Mercedes-Benz E-Class and Audi A6. Longer, lower and lighter than the outgoing sedan, the CTS ups the ante by adding a trio of new engines, a new 8-speed automatic transmission and a new model: the CTS Vsport. Not a replacement for the legendary CTS-V, the Vsport brings new levels of power and performance to the CTS lineup while still delivering a comfortable ride, reasonable fuel economy and a $60,000 price tag.

With the CTS, Cadillac has combined the bold and dynamic character unique to American cars with the power and performance that makes pricey European models so desirable. From an interior point of view, the CTS is stunning, more opulent and more colorful than an E-Class or 5 Series and easily on par with the Audi A6. Interior environment colors include a lovely light brown dubbed Kona, as well as Twilight Blue leather or black leather with Morello Red accents.

We should note that only the CTS sedan is new for 2014. The CTS coupe and wagon carry over as-is for another year.

What's New for 2014?

The CTS sedan is completely new for 2014, with more interior space, power under the hood and luxury goodies, including an available reconfigurable instrument cluster.

What We Like

What We Don't

Run-flat tires deliver a rather harsh ride; CUE screen and HVAC touch controls can be frustrating to operate when driving; front seats are a bit snug; new 8-speed automatic not available on AWD models

How Much?

$46,025-$70,000

Fuel Economy

Cadillac offers the 2014 CTS in three trim levels, each with its own engine. The 2.0 model is powered by a turbocharged 2-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 272 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fuel economy for this engine is rated at 20 miles per gallon city/30 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive and 19 mpg city/28 mpg hwy with all-wheel drive (AWD).

The performance-oriented Vsport is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.6-liter V6 engine that pumps out an amazing 420 hp and 430 lb-ft of torque. This model is only offered in rear-wheel drive, and earns an EPA-estimated 17 mpg city/25 mpg hwy.

Standard Features & Options

The CTS 2.0 is offered in base, Luxury, Premium and Performance trims, as is the 3.6, minus the base model. The Vsport is offered only in the Vsport and Premium trim.

The CTS 2.0 Premium ($62,725) includes most of the Performance equipment, plus collision warning with adaptive cruise control, full leather trim, automatic seat-belt tightening, the Driver Assist Package, a reconfigurable gauge cluster and 20-way performance power front seats, including manual cushion-length adjustment and power side bolster.

The CTS 3.6 Luxury ($54,625) includes all the same equipment as the 2.0 Luxury trim, plus the V6 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission.

The CTS 3.6 Performance ($61,025) includes the same equipment as the 2.0 Performance trim, plus the V6 engine and 8-speed automatic.

The CTS 3.6 Premium ($65,425) is the same as the 2.0 Premium trim but adds a V6 engine and 8-speed automatic.

As of the publication of this review, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety has crash-tested the 2014 Cadillac CTS.

Behind the Wheel

We spent time behind the wheel of each trim. The 2.0 has sufficient power and the softest ride of the three, but its 6-speed automatic seemed to hunt for the right gear when climbing hills and hold off shifting when descending. Even playing with the adjustable Drive Mode Control didn't help much. While the 2-liter offers the best fuel economy of the bunch, we think the 3.6 is the right engine and transmission choice for the CTS. Handling is spot on, as is feedback from the steering, but our test car's optional 19-in wheels and run-flat tires delivered a pretty jarring ride, prompting us to suggest sticking with the stock 18-in wheels.

The performance champion of the lot is the new Vsport. Its turbocharged V6 is as powerful and responsive as some of the best V8s on the market, yet its fuel economy isn't far from the standard 3.6-liter engine. Oddly, despite the stiffer suspension settings and aggressive wheel and tire package, the Vsport's ride doesn't feel as stiff and unforgiving as in the BMW M5 or Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. We could drive this car all day and never get bored. The Vsport's selectable drive mode adds an additional Track mode that sharpens throttle response and holds back shift points for quicker acceleration out of the turns. Also aiding cornering and traction is an electronic limited-slip rear differential.

Inside, the CTS delivers a big dose of Cadillac luxury with a stunning interior design complemented by available semi-aniline leather, a beautifully sculpted dash and contrasting suede and wood inserts. Unfortunately, even clever features such as the power-operated cup holder cover and electric glove box can't make up for the still-difficult-to-operate CUE interface and odd haptic feedback touch controls.

Other Cars to Consider

BMW 5 Series -- The 5 Series is still the performance leader here, though not by much. The CTS costs less when comparably equipped and gets better fuel economy.

Audi A6 -- The A6 won't perform like the CTS, but its ride is smoother and its interior more spacious and appealing. There is also a high-mileage diesel model.

Lexus GS -- The GS doesn't offer the same razor-sharp handling or power as the CTS, and its interior is somewhat generic. But the GS offers a hybrid model, and its resale values are still near the top of the charts.

AutoTrader's Advice

While we appreciate the 2.0 turbo's punch, this engine/transmission combo just doesn't feel at home in the CTS. We think the 3.6 V6 with the 8-speed transmission delivers the best combination of performance, comfort and economy. The Premium trim is the best equipped and probably what most Cadillac buyers will want. Performance enthusiasts who can't afford the CTS-V should definitely go for the Vsport Premium.

This image is a stock photo and is not an exact representation of any vehicle offered for sale. Advertised vehicles of this model may have styling, trim levels, colors and optional equipment that differ from the stock photo.